I have worked in software dev since I did a data processing job for my uncle when I was 16.

I have had all sorts of misadventures such as partnering with a salesperson who couldn't sell, working at a place where I had a dark triad supervisor (who claimed to have supervised both Linus Torvalds and Dave Cutler at some point), running up $80k of debt on my home equity loan (now paid) and really pissing off my wife, etc.

I also got a PhD in theoretical physics and people would say "that's great, it proves you are smart" but it can be a scarlet letter if people think you are overqualified or aren't going to take the job seriously.

I've had some times when I was really depressed and in despair about getting my next job. I've also had time when recruiters were fighting each other to talk to me. When I was about 40 I told somebody at the gym that I might as well be retired, but I've also had great pleasure working for big companies, small companies, startups and established companies not to mention myself.

There was a time when I was despair about job interviews, I came across this guy

https://job-interview-answers.com/job-interview-tips/about-b...

I can recommend what he is selling because it turned around my attitude.